1. What instrument and unit of measurement is used to measure atmospheric pressure?
2. Draw and label a diagram of a maximum and minimum thermometer. What does it measure? What unit of measurement does it use?
3. Draw and label a diagram of the instrument used to measure precipitation. Name this instrument and the unit of measurement it uses.
Clouds
What are Clouds? Clouds are groups of tiny water droplets or ice crystals held in the atmosphere. The droplets are so small and light that they can float in the air.
Cloud Types Three main cloud types exist. Each one brings different weather conditions.
Cirrus clouds are high clouds that form above 8000 m.
They are thin and wispy and are made up of tiny ice crystals instead of water droplets.
Cumulus clouds form below 5000 m.
The base of each cloud is flat and the top of each cloud is rounded (they might remind you of a head of cauliflower). White cumulus are known as ‘fair weather’ clouds, but dark cumulus can bring heavy rain showers.
Stratus clouds are usually low clouds that form below 2000 m.
They are large, thick, heavy-looking grey clouds that fill the sky. Stratus clouds can bring long spells of precipitation.
Being Creative:
Using the information in the table, create a one-page poster displaying the height at which each type of cloud is formed, a colour scale showing dark stratus clouds and white cumulus and cirrus clouds, and one other key piece of information about each cloud type.
Which type/s of clouds can you see today? Are these clouds likely to bring rain?
